Final answer:
The belief in one's capability to achieve a task is termed self-efficacy, which is critical in motivating and guiding behavior towards goal accomplishment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that refers to the belief in one's own ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task is known as self-efficacy. This concept, introduced by Albert Bandura, focuses on the role of self-belief in motivating behavior. An individual with high self-efficacy views challenges as tasks to be mastered and shows resilience in the face of setbacks, while one with low self-efficacy may doubt their capabilities and shy away from challenges. Self-efficacy is different from self-concept, which is a more comprehensive evaluation of the self, and self-esteem, which pertains more to how we value and perceive ourselves overall.
It's important to make the distinction between self-efficacy and other terms like locus of control, which is about whether we believe that we control the events that affect our lives, or self-regulation, which relates to our ability to manage our actions and emotions. These psychological constructs contribute to a person's behavior and motivation in different ways. For instance, someone with a strong internal locus of control might take more responsibility for their actions, while a person with high self-efficacy would feel competent in their abilities to perform those actions successfully.
In summary, the final answer to the initial question is a) Self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is one's belief in their own competence and ability to accomplish a task or reach a goal.